Do you have your A+ Certification?

Ric

Ric

The Boys Club
=(eGO)=
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Feb 14, 2009
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If you do, can you tell me why it's useful(Besides the obvious.) and is it worth the near 200 dollars the CompTIA website asks for?

Would it benefit me later in life as well or just to the point of getting a help-desk job?

Do employers really care if you have this certification or not?

A couple of years ago having A+ Certification made you seem intelligent more-so then others on employment applications, is it still safe to assume that this is correct to this date?

Thanks, eGO.
 
any certification is worth it down the road. They are the key to getting your resume noticed rather than thrown into the trash.


(CCNA, A+, N+, MCSE Server 2003, etc...)
 
aknightwhosezni said:
any certification is worth it down the road. They are the key to getting your resume noticed rather than thrown into the trash.


(CCNA, A+, N+, MCSE Server 2003, etc...)
Click to expand...

Well, the reason I brought this up is because I have my Linux+.
But no one in Kissimmee, FL seems to care about that matter/don't need it.
 
unfortunately, linux isn't a dominant enterprise technology.... while an admirable feat, its worthless in their eyes.
 
employers do require it, i got shot down back when circuit city was around because i didn't have it.
 
aknightwhosezni said:
unfortunately, linux isn't a dominant enterprise technology.... while an admirable feat, its worthless in their eyes.
Click to expand...

You seem well-knowledgeable.

If I wanted to get an IT job soon, which certification should I acquire first?
Obviously later on in my life I want my Cisco+, CCNA, etc.

Also, I heard they are coming out with a new certification specifically to work for Microsoft.
Does anyone know what this is/can give more details?

Thanks again everyone.
 
Check out Modis.

http://www.modis.com/

Lot's of locations here in Florida and they're easily a multi-million dollar company. Some jobs do require a Bachelors in IT, but not all.
 
Well seeing as A+ is bout as bottom of the IT industry ground as you can get, thats where to start. Right now, the only thing holding me back is finances. If I can find a place here the Dallas/Ft Worth area that can help me out to where it wont cost me an arm & a leg to sign up for a class & get re-certified, then id go head over heels for it. I got certified in the hardware portion back in '03, so ya needless to say, mine is a bit outdated. Doesn't mean by any way of the matter that I dont know what im doing. Its just that corporate america want to know that you know the information, stated on your resume. It seems, however, that more network technicians/administrators are needed in the Dallas/Ft Worth area than anything else.
 
Anything that helps you look got to a potential employer and helps you land that job is good (as long as it's true and not fibbing)
 
Depending on your preference in job MCDST (XP or 7 if it's out yet) MCSA/MCSE would be the obvious ones to start with.

I've had my A+ cert for about 10 years now. It's nice to add to an application and some companies look for it, though I think MCDST would be more preferably in a help desk situation.
 
A+ cert is mandatory for almost 99% of all technology related jobs - and any that would give you a decent salary. It was well worth it to me (I just got the CompTIA for Dummies book and aced the exams first try) and has helped me become a creditable computer professional in Northern New Hampshire.

I am working on my Network+, Security+, as well as my primary project: Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS).

The ironic thing is I am a high school drop out, with a GED and VERY LOW income - so the state is paying for my Network+ and Security+ exam costs as well as part of the MCTS costs which makes it a little easier to get everything done.

Check what state programs Florida has to offer regarding "tuition" expenses as that may be the key to getting the first of many certifications under your belt - and leading to job opportunities that will provide the income for the rest.

Good luck!
 
TotalSeminars.com i think is the site the guy mike meyers works who (who wrote the CompTIA A+ certification all in one book) they have vouchers you can get on there site to take the A+ test for a lesser cost.
 
Well you want to get into the IT field, but you gotta ask yourself, what part of the field do you want to enter? You can't just say computers, ya know? You need to think vertically about this. But yes, if there is somewhere to start, A+ is the foundation to your resume I suppose (not literally)

I am interested in Networking in hospitals. My main concern is finding the application that hospitals making their money with, and learn that. Go to tradeshows, put your name out there.
 
I would mirror what MattM - wrote above. The certification may be useful, but first trying to understand the nature of the area in which you are aiming is the best bet. I cannot suggest to anyone entering into the IT field to become highly specialized (not that A+ is) in an area without first recognizing the width and breadth of the area of study.

The A+ certification, if it is your first approach into IT, is a great way to familiarize yourself with the theories of computer hardware and may help you get an answer for where you want to head. If able, follow that by some continued hardware courses/areas of study but at the same time explore the software side. Basic understanding of those two things in hand, you can then begin moving towards further specialization in a follow-on area. Could be getting into the electrical engineering of the materials or diving through the lines of code for a cross-cutting application. Moreover, roles exist throughout the industry for people who have lesser interest in being in the weeds and more involved in the marketing, development, and sale of the end product (software or hardware).

As a bit of background on why I suggest looking around: I started out much the same way.

I took A+ courses while in highschool years ago and following that never got my certification (due to the cost concerns as you illustrate). However, I still list the education on my resume and that conveys the needed information.
Following, I went further down the hardware-to-software path by doing the CNNA coursework and once again, avoiding taking the expensive (to my mind at the time) test. I also list this course of study.

Did I regret not getting these certifications? No, in fact I couldn't have cared less. Although it would be somewhat fun to go back and get them now that I have the money. However, not having them has not hobbled me in any way. In fact, it only helped to sculpt the route I have since taken (that being college for a combination of business and IT-related things that I couldn't help but put down).

So the take away in that somewhat lengthy story is - don't fret that missing certifications will make you an under-whelming candidate. Yet, don't believe that those looking at you for a position later will be able to know your expertise unless you can illustrate it for them.
 
I have my A+ certification, its basically good if you intent on working for something to do with tech support or IT. In fact any job that has to do with computers and certifications are A + (Pun intended).
 
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